The idea of a ‘Lower Thames Crossing’ was first mentioned in Parliament 36 years ago. Fourteen years ago, the government made building it a ‘national priority’. Yet the Lower Thames Crossing only received planning permission today. The time it has had to take to get to this point reveals a lot about how Britain’s planning system is broken and is making us poorer.
There’s only one way to cross the Thames east of London today – through the Dartford Crossing. Unsurprisingly, it is one of the most congested roads in Britain. It is designed to handle 135,000 vehicles a day, but it currently averages around 160,000 and the busiest days see more than 200,000 vehicles drive (slowly) over it.
That is why a second crossing is so necessary.
Britain’s best politics newsletters
You get two free articles each week when you sign up to The Spectator’s emails.
Already a subscriber? Log in
Comments
Join the debate for just £1 a month
Be part of the conversation with other Spectator readers by getting your first three months for £3.
UNLOCK ACCESS Just £1 a monthAlready a subscriber? Log in